Nature Q&A

Q: I saw robins in my back yard yesterday. It’s January and I’m concerned that it’s too early for them to be here. Is it? If so is there anything I can do to help them or feed them? A: American Robins are year-round Connecticut residents. Some migrate south each fall and return in the […]

Q: When should I start feeding birds, and what is the best seed? A: Recent research has shown that since birds do not use feeders as their sole means of support, it is acceptable to feed birds whenever you like and as often as you like. For instance, we used to think that it was […]

Q: I found an injured bird in my yard.  What should I do with it? A: Our Centers are not able to take care of sick, injured, or orphaned birds or other animals.  Connecticut’s Department of Environmental Protection has information on [Common Wildlife Problems], which will tell you what you can do when you find […]

Q: This is the first year I have bluebirds visiting my bird feeders. However, I have found three adult bluebirds dead in my yard with no sign of predator involvement. What could be the cause? A: I can only guess that the persistent cold weather has reduced the insect availability and perhaps the birds perished […]

Q: A pigeon has arrived in my yard that is very friendly and apparently can’t fly. It is banded. What should I do? A: This bird is probably lost from a local (or sometimes very distant) pigeon club. Racing homing pigeons is a very popular pastime in the Northeast, and several clubs in our area […]

Q: I live near a wooded area and have a small field nearby. My neighbors and I have seen what we think is a coyote several times in our backyards. As we both have small children and dogs, should we take steps to protect ourselves, and who can we call on to help? A: You […]